By P.T. Bopanna
The time has come for Kodava Samajas, both within Kodagu (Coorg) and outside to introspect on the steps needed to promote Kodavame (Kodava culture).
The office-bearers of the samajas should seriously think that apart from renting out their halls for weddings, what else they are doing to promote Kodava culture.
I do admit that some of the samajas have been active in bringing together Kodava community.
I am told the focus of the Bangalore Kodava Samaja nowadays is on the election of office-bearers in the coming months.
I appeal to those planning to contest in the elections, especially for the post of President, not to hold booze parties to woo the voters.
I remember there was a time, instead of election of office-bearers, there was ‘selection’. The elders in the community requested those deserving and service-minded people to head the Samajas.
I also recall the tenure of Bollera Jajie Mandanna (in picture) as president of Bangalore Kodava Samaja, the initiative taken to showcase Kodava culture in Delhi, the national capital.
The need of the hour is to chalk out measures to bring better understanding and bonding within the community. The priority of the Kodava Samajas should be to unite the community, rather than take ‘regressive’ measures to alienate the community.
Sharing link to obit I wrote when Jajie Mandanna passed away.
